A WALKING festival in Nether Stowey which had to be postponed because of inclement weather in June is finally being held this week.

The event, previously organised by Stowey Walking, is now being staged by the National Trust at Coleridge Cottage.

It will take the form of three guided walks of differing lengths and challenge to cater for all abilities, which will be held on September 4, 21, and 24.

They are each circular walks, starting and finishing at the cottage, including two trail walks around Nether Stowey and nearby countryside, and a longer walk on to the Coleridge Way, where the beauty of the surroundings inspired some of poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s greatest works.

Two ‘Coleridge Country Strolls’ will also take place on September 10 and 17, meeting at Coleridge Cottage and setting off along the beginning of the Coleridge Way.

Walkers will pass by the historic Thomas Poole’s house and former tannery, uncover the story behind the remnants of the village's motte and bailey castle, and discover the charm of Stowey Woods, alive with seasonal flora.

The walks are free to join but the National Trust said booking was essential via its Coleridge Cottage website or by calling 01278 732662.

Somerset Skills and Learning creative workshops continue to be hosted in the cottage’s garden room, for which booking is also required.

A spokesperson said: “This is a small, friendly group who meet to create collage work, inspired by the surroundings and poetry.

“Our resident volunteer poet John will be giving poetry readings and stories of Coleridge’s most well-known works and his time in Nether Stowey.”

An exclusive and intimate after-hours event will also be held on September 23, featuring an evening of poetry, prose, and literary talks, followed by a ‘Poet’s Supper’, tickets for which are £18.